2015 Subaru Forester recalls and problems
The 2015 Subaru Forester has 3 safety recalls and 617 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2015 Subaru Forester vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2015 Subaru Forester recalls
Recall 19V-701: Air Bags
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Risk: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Recall 19V-149: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Recall 16V-162: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
2015 Subaru Forester problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 131 | |
| Air Bags | 114 | |
| Power Train | 95 | |
| Electrical System | 84 | |
| Unknown or Other | 73 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 71 | |
| Suspension | 66 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 56 | |
| Service Brakes | 34 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 23 | |
| Seats | 22 | |
| Structure | 21 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 18
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 7
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 5
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 5
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2015 Subaru Forester complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Forester years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2015 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Subaru Forester: 19V-701 (air bags), 19V-149 (exterior lighting), 16V-162 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Subaru Forester?
Owners report engine problems most often (131 reports), followed by air bags (114). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.